Authorities in South Africa’s Northern Cape province have intensified efforts to combat illegal gambling, following the seizure of 11 Chinese roulette machines during a coordinated enforcement operation. The crackdown involved the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board (NCGLB), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Crime Intelligence officers.
The operation was intelligence-led and focused on reports that gambling facilities were being offered through tuck-shops in local communities without the required licenses. After investigations carried out over several months, enforcement teams identified businesses suspected of hosting illegal gambling machines.
Raids were then conducted at eight tuck-shops in Griekwastad. During those operations, six Chinese roulette machines were recovered, and six inquiry dockets were opened. A separate operation in Barkly West resulted in the confiscation of a further five machines, with another five inquiry dockets opened. In total, 11 machines were seized during the joint operations.
The NCGLB said the campaign is being conducted under its statutory mandate, citing Section 21 of the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Act 6 of 2024 as the legal basis for addressing unlawful gambling activities in the province.
NCGLB Chief Executive Officer Modise Letselebe said the regulator is concerned about the growing use of tuck-shops as venues for unlicensed gambling. He emphasized that tuck-shops are not permitted to provide gambling services and noted that the board will continue taking action against businesses involved in illegal operations.
The board also raised concerns about underage gambling. It warned that when machines are placed in easily accessible community businesses, minors may be able to participate, which can expose them to legal, financial, and psychological risks with potential long-term consequences.
As part of its wider enforcement strategy, the NCGLB is considering establishing an Illegal Gambling Task Team under its #WeComply campaign. The planned structure would involve the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), municipalities, and SAPS to improve coordination in identifying, investigating, and disrupting illegal gambling.
The regulator added that continued cooperation with municipalities and law enforcement agencies will be essential to tackling illegal gambling across the Northern Cape and strengthening compliance within the province’s gambling sector.
